While I enjoy cooking, I must admit that I find it hard to come up with a healthy, locally grown, appetizing dinner every night.  The pressure!  And add to that three kids who have different tastes, a super healthy husband, and me working too…  So what is a girl to do??  I have some tried and true recipes that are great, but sometimes it is 5:00, we have just come home from soccer practice, swimming lessons, piano lessons, etc. and there is no plan for dinner.  I dread these moments.  I would love to know your tricks for when this happens!

I have a good friend, Jacqui, who is a vegetarian and works all day.  Jacqui has no time for long, complicated recipes.  She has given us several recipes and I am going to share one here.  As the weather gets cooler, this is a great comforting and healthy meal - and quick.

Butter Chickpeas

(for 2 - 3 large servings - I suggest doubling)
1 medium sized onion

2 tablespoons canola oil1 teaspoon

(1-2 cloves minced garlic)

2 teaspoons each curry powder and garam masala

1 teaspoon each ground ginger and cumin

1 can organic tomato soup1/4 cup organic cream (can be omitted)

300 g can of chickpeas

200 g boiled new potatoes, cubed1/2 tsp. salt(I add a chopped green pepper, chopped carrots and other veg I have on hand)

Dice onion and fry in oil with garlic, stirring frequently until onion is beginning to brown.  Stir in spices and continue to cook. Tip in soup, drained chickpeas and potatoes and leave the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes.  Add chopped coriander to taste if desired.  Serve over rice.

Please share your ideas.  I love reading cookbooks, and only wish there was more time.  On my list to read is Renewing America’s Food Traditions, edited by Gary Paul Nabhan.  This book embraces eating local and discusses the consequences of choosing otherwise.  It offers inspiring stories and recipes.  It sounds really good and I hope to read it soon.  This book is also available at EcoBrain (my part-time job!) in eBook format (so no trees are cut down to produce this book - how green!).  To read a full review to to:
http://www.ecobrain.com/product_reviews_info.php?&reviews_id=15&products_id=2018&it=1

Guest post written for Green and Clean Mom by Angela Wieck with EcoBrain your one shop stop for earth friendly ebooks.

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